tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31855328398879777812014-10-04T23:57:03.925-05:00The Lamp GuyNotes on design and lifeThe Lamp Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451344973723402449noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185532839887977781.post-10516865302730136602011-07-14T09:49:00.002-05:002011-07-14T09:53:28.922-05:00July 14, 2011-Wow.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jSc2ajK2P80/Th8C0gieRhI/AAAAAAAAAmY/wytYiYZ-mE0/s1600/f0089299_19152155.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jSc2ajK2P80/Th8C0gieRhI/AAAAAAAAAmY/wytYiYZ-mE0/s400/f0089299_19152155.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629221160347387410" /></a><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jSc2ajK2P80/Th8C0gieRhI/AAAAAAAAAmY/wytYiYZ-mE0/s1600/f0089299_19152155.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br />Just a very cool photo. It seems beyond imagination. m</div>The Lamp Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451344973723402449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185532839887977781.post-25321394468569479412011-02-10T13:44:00.003-06:002011-02-10T13:50:03.982-06:00February 10, 2011 – It's real<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqBoHuWAzIE/TVRAkbO_sDI/AAAAAAAAAmE/BfkTcm3_XWA/s1600/tumblr_lge97uBCaG1qazzfio1_1280.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqBoHuWAzIE/TVRAkbO_sDI/AAAAAAAAAmE/BfkTcm3_XWA/s400/tumblr_lge97uBCaG1qazzfio1_1280.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572149633494265906" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Swedish photographer Jocke Bergland took the shot while flying over Sweden documenting damage in the wake of Hurricane Gudrun in January 2005.</div><div><br /></div><div>Read more at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-411346/The-tree-forest.html#ixzz1DXqjvZgm</div>The Lamp Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451344973723402449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185532839887977781.post-35856068094387696042011-02-05T15:38:00.001-06:002011-02-05T15:40:02.503-06:00February 5, 2011 - I could live here<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/TU3Dpp56liI/AAAAAAAAAl8/sbzgUCNy5gU/s1600/IslandHome.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/TU3Dpp56liI/AAAAAAAAAl8/sbzgUCNy5gU/s400/IslandHome.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570323434517992994" /></a>The Lamp Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451344973723402449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185532839887977781.post-59875934061393942172010-09-19T11:42:00.002-05:002010-09-19T12:19:44.481-05:00September 19, 2010 - Fall Apples<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/TJZGENLCq7I/AAAAAAAAAls/qJw6jshZWHs/s1600/Apples.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 356px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/TJZGENLCq7I/AAAAAAAAAls/qJw6jshZWHs/s400/Apples.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518675431458515890" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/TJZGENLCq7I/AAAAAAAAAls/qJw6jshZWHs/s1600/Apples.jpg"></a><br />Love the fall. Love apples. Here's one of my favorite recipes. Last year I made this apple cake while on Washington Island with my friend Carol. Brings back good memories and I promised to get her the recipe. So why not post it and let everyone enjoy it. This is from the Silver Palate cookbook. Maybe next week I'll post a great apple pie recipe.<div><br /></div><div><b>Chunky Apple Walnut Cake</b></div><div>This makes a very large rich cake so you might want to make a half recipe in a smaller pan if you don't have lots of people to share it with. The glaze is amazing but the cake is excellent without it. But try the glaze the first time out.</div><div><br /></div><div>1 1/2 cups vegetable oil</div><div>2 cups granulated sugar</div><div>3 eggs</div><div>2 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour, sifted</div><div>1/8 teaspoon of cloves</div><div>1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon</div><div>1/4 teaspoon ground mace</div><div>1 teaspoon baking soda</div><div>3/4 teaspoon salt</div><div>1 cup whole wheat flour, sifted</div><div>1 1/4 cups shelled walnuts, coarsely chopped (optional)</div><div>3 1/4 cups coarse chunks of peeled and cored Rome Beauty apples (or your choice)</div><div>3 tablespoons of Calvados or applejack </div><div>Apple Cider Glaze (recipe follows)</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.</div><div>2. In a large bowl, beat vegetable oil and sugar until thick and opaque. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.</div><div>3. Sift together all-purpose flour, cloves, cinnamon, mace, baking soda, and salt, then stir in whole-wheat flour. Add to oil and egg mixture and mix until well blended.</div><div>4. Add walnuts, apple chunks and Calvados all at once and stir batter until pieces are evenly distributed.</div><div>5. Pour batter into a greased 10-inch round cake pan. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.</div><div>6. Let cake rest for 10 minutes, then unmold and pour glaze over warm cake, or cut cake and pour glaze over slices.</div><div>10 - 12 portions</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Apple Cider Glaze</b></div><div>4 tablespoons of sweet butter</div><div>2 tablespoons of brown sugar</div><div>6 tablespoons of granulated sugar</div><div>3 tablespoons of Calvados or applejack</div><div>4 tablespoons of sweet cider</div><div>2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice</div><div>2 tablespoons of heavy cream</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Melt butter in a small saucepan and stir in both sugars.</div><div>2. Add remaining ingredients, stir, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat slightly and cook for 4 minutes.</div><div>3. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Pour while still warm over warm cake.</div><div>Makes 1 1/2 cups of glaze</div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy in front of a fire on a brisk fall evening. Cheers. m</div></div>The Lamp Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451344973723402449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185532839887977781.post-76409059843057894292010-07-28T20:44:00.004-05:002010-07-28T20:56:14.466-05:00July 29, 2010 - Inspirations (been awhile)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(38, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">National Grand Theater of China, Beijing</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(38, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><a href="http://www.paul-andreu.com/pages/projets_recents_operapek_g.html">Architect Paul Andreu</a></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(38, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 233px; height: 210px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/TFDeICop3DI/AAAAAAAAAlE/jxKqIyOgNXc/s400/BeigingNtnlTheater.01.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499139374747081778" /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(38, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(38, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 221px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/TFDeIaDsruI/AAAAAAAAAlM/U5G5miduHCI/s400/BeigingTheater2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499139381034528482" /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(38, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(38, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/TFDeImUG0QI/AAAAAAAAAlU/MTDsSyKET7Q/s400/BeigingTheater3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499139384324575490" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/TFDeI9siw4I/AAAAAAAAAlc/hM3J6F8LVb4/s400/tumblr_l593gsZU8u1qz8uvvo1_500.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499139390601085826" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Last image via <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; color: rgb(255, 0, 132); "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jordi_a/4774848744">jordiA+'s photostream</a></span></div>The Lamp Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451344973723402449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185532839887977781.post-66274204284674579662010-05-06T19:19:00.003-05:002010-05-06T19:34:19.124-05:00May 6, 2010 - Spring<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S-NefdqElNI/AAAAAAAAAk8/bCUTlys55kg/s1600/MoonLamp.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S-NefdqElNI/AAAAAAAAAk8/bCUTlys55kg/s400/MoonLamp.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468318267187958994" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S-NefdqElNI/AAAAAAAAAk8/bCUTlys55kg/s1600/MoonLamp.jpg"></a><br />It's been too long I know. First of all Happy Birthday to my niece. The big 30. Have a great day.<div><br /></div><div>Today I mowed the lawn for the first time. It's been an amazing spring. Don't remember one quite like it. It started a month early. Usually I'm not mowing until late in May. The leaves are all out, the flowers have bloomed, and the temps have been very mild. Usually we jump from cold to hot in a week but not this year. Is this global warming? Not bad. Of course we seem to be some of the lucky ones. I don't envy many others who are dealing with tornadoes and flooding.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today I started to play with some fantasy lamp ideas. Taking photos and figuring how to merge a lamp into them. It's simple but maybe I can come up with some surprises as the project goes on. Right now I'm trying to use images I have on hand. But as I explore I may try to take new photos with a specific concept in mind. Ultimately I may be able to translate these into a real lamp idea. We'll see how it goes. Have a great week. m</div></div>The Lamp Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451344973723402449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185532839887977781.post-1643183823526280512010-03-29T20:29:00.002-05:002010-03-29T20:51:39.326-05:00March 29, 2010 - The measure of a lifeI am 19,358 days old today. Or 464,592 hours. Or 27,875,520 minutes. Or 1,672, 531,200 seconds or thereabouts. Just thought you'd like to know. This calculation is based on the Gregorian Calendar created in 1582 and later adopted in 1752 by Britain and the eastern part of what is now the United States. In case you were wondering. Have a great day but don't get too caught up in the numbers. There are better things to do with your time. mThe Lamp Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451344973723402449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185532839887977781.post-27348299263251304502010-03-21T17:59:00.004-05:002010-03-21T21:01:52.723-05:00March 21, 2009 - Snow and a lamp<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S6bEfTWkNwI/AAAAAAAAAk0/UnWAI52JV2E/s1600-h/SpringSnow0310blue.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 252px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S6bEfTWkNwI/AAAAAAAAAk0/UnWAI52JV2E/s400/SpringSnow0310blue.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451260441028474626" /></a><br /><br />Early Saturday, first day of Spring—snow. Very appropriate, in Wisconsin that it. But it's the kind of snow I like, only on the grass, gone fast. I'll take it.<div><br /></div><div>I'm kind of fascinated by the trend toward creating functional items out of wood. Combined with new technologies it seems wood might be able to do some new and amazing things. And of course it's renewable. It's interesting, now that we have global warming and dwindling wood resources staring us in the face that we're suddenly figuring so many more ways to use this renewable resource that's been around for millions of years. The radio I posted a few weeks ago is a great example. </div><div><br /></div><div>I got the following photos from a e-newsletter called <a href="http://www.designboom.com/">designboom</a> which featured a new series of lamps from Asaf Weinbroom. The lamp designs focus on unifying concepts, mechanism, joinery and new technologies using wood as the main material. The lamps have a mass produced aesthetic and the one-of-a-kind warmth that comes from a handmade product. The shades are created using a unique lamination technology producing a very strong cone made from thin layers of veneer. I'm sure there's more great designs to come. Have a great week and bon voyage Katie and Dave. Hope you have a great trip. m</div><div><div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S6bEfHKElMI/AAAAAAAAAks/dVrfjwHtqco/s400/WeinbroomLamp1.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451260437754844354" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S6bEe0F-CiI/AAAAAAAAAkk/vNaN7Fs3bbY/s400/WeinbroomLamp2.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451260432637364770" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S6bEeivBSsI/AAAAAAAAAkc/8kUMJWhR9P4/s400/WeinbroomLamp3.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451260427977706178" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 346px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S6bEeem1RyI/AAAAAAAAAkU/2UZbiHG6iPo/s400/WeinbroomLamp4.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451260426869622562" /></div></div></div>The Lamp Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451344973723402449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185532839887977781.post-81679250378253023982010-03-08T14:42:00.003-06:002010-03-08T14:47:15.784-06:00March 8, 2010 - What do yo think?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S5Vh7_oAF1I/AAAAAAAAAkM/3bOO1EgJecg/s1600-h/BowlLamp_sm.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 261px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S5Vh7_oAF1I/AAAAAAAAAkM/3bOO1EgJecg/s400/BowlLamp_sm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446367007693870930" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S5Vh7_oAF1I/AAAAAAAAAkM/3bOO1EgJecg/s1600-h/BowlLamp_sm.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S5Vh7pG6WhI/AAAAAAAAAkE/oedcQR5ljF8/s1600-h/BowlLampDetail_sm.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 360px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S5Vh7pG6WhI/AAAAAAAAAkE/oedcQR5ljF8/s400/BowlLampDetail_sm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446367001649502738" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S5Vh7pG6WhI/AAAAAAAAAkE/oedcQR5ljF8/s1600-h/BowlLampDetail_sm.jpg"></a><br />Here's a new lamp idea. Let me know what you think. I created this image based on old bowling post cards and then put it through a Photoshop filter. I think it looks pretty good. m</div>The Lamp Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451344973723402449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185532839887977781.post-38262665140346150622010-03-07T09:08:00.004-06:002010-03-07T10:27:09.799-06:00March 7, 2010 - Cool wood radio<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S5PKScPSsqI/AAAAAAAAAjs/8qOeQIE6OkY/s1600-h/areaware_magno_medium_3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S5PKScPSsqI/AAAAAAAAAjs/8qOeQIE6OkY/s400/areaware_magno_medium_3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445918792587850402" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S5PKScPSsqI/AAAAAAAAAjs/8qOeQIE6OkY/s1600-h/areaware_magno_medium_3.jpg"></a><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S5PKScPSsqI/AAAAAAAAAjs/8qOeQIE6OkY/s1600-h/areaware_magno_medium_3.jpg"></a><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 245px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S5PSEGoOI7I/AAAAAAAAAj8/6m5_w982aPk/s400/Magno_radio_small3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445927342361682866" /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I wandered into one of my favorite stores in Madison, Century House—one that has actually displayed my lamps from time to time—and saw this amazing little radio made of wood. When do you see that? At first I thought it was some kind of cool toy, the details were so simple, the wood so smooth and rounded. But it's an actual radio with the most current mp3 playing compatible electronics. The design is very simple but every detail is a treat to the eyes and you can't help but want to touch and feel the smooth beautiful wood. A smooth rounded wood peg through a metal loop holds the back panel on. I don't know why but this may be one of my favorite details. It's obviously manufactured but at the same time hand made. There are even small wooden ends on the connector cables. As a designer and fan of industrial design I was smitten. Of course having no money in this lovely era of frugality means smitten is what I will remain. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So I did some searching on the net and was surprised to see that it's all over the place including stores like Anthropologie. Here's the scoop; there are 3 radios in the product line; small, medium and large. They range in price from $200-$300. Designed by Singgih Kartono for Magno. Each tree used to create these radios had one replanted in its place, as Antropologie touts "making each song played sound just a bit sweeter." Don't you love marketing? The wood is not coated with anything but oil and needs maintaining. Yes, a product you actually have to care for. Not an easy proposition for most of us. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S5PKSBg9nyI/AAAAAAAAAjk/16UwOCphTWw/s400/Magnaproduction.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445918785414209314" /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The product was also made as an attempt to improve the Indonesian economy, creating jobs for local woodworkers making wooden commodities needing relatively low skills. This falls into a new category called "New Craft." New Craft attempts to utilize existing systems and technology with the most important factor being to use well managed human resources. To learn more about the designers vision for producing this sustainable product check the <a href="http://www.magno-design.com/">Magno</a> Website.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>I also want to send out a big Happy Birthday to my mom and my good friend JoAnn who had a great art opening last night at the Commonweath gallery space as well as a fab party afterwards. Loved it. Have a good week. m</div></div></div>The Lamp Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451344973723402449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185532839887977781.post-9522928271752111912010-02-28T10:35:00.003-06:002010-02-28T11:30:28.310-06:00February 28, 2010 - Something new<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S4qegBklGSI/AAAAAAAAAjc/2P1E1pOCRC0/s1600-h/FirstProject0210.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 269px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S4qegBklGSI/AAAAAAAAAjc/2P1E1pOCRC0/s400/FirstProject0210.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443337372645529890" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S4qegBklGSI/AAAAAAAAAjc/2P1E1pOCRC0/s1600-h/FirstProject0210.jpg"></a><br />Howdy. It's been too long I know. What can I say but it's winter and everything in me goes a bit slower. The temps are very slowly rising and although I have sympathy for those out east getting more white stuff they can handle I'm not missing it here in Wisconsin. But then I'm not a huge winter sports participant. There are many here who love to get on the slopes and the ice rink. Judging from the piles still out there I think they're pretty happy. With only one big storm in December it's been pretty normal here. The temps do seem to be lower than the average but next week there's hope of reaching almost 40. I hear birds singing and steady drip of melting snow. Music to the ears. <div><br /></div><div>I've been making lamps for 5 years now. Didn't know a thing when I started. I know a little more now. I've pretty much kept to the same materials of wood and paper. This year I'm in the need for some new inspiration and ideas so it's a year of exploration. I'm not planning on doing any art fairs in 2010, sorry, unless of course something comes up out of the blue. I'm just not good at the outdoor art fair thing. It's hard to display lit lamps in bright sunlight and the weather is a never ending source of anxiety for me. My lamps are basically box kites when a big wind hits. Except their tendency is to crash rather than fly. So this year I'm in learning mode and the first is glass. It's taken me way to long to start exploring this very flexible medium. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm starting simple. The photo above is my first stained glass project against a rather stark winter background. It's pretty good for my first time. There's a few rough edges. I'm taking a class at The Vinery here in Madison and hope to take a few more. Fusing is next on the list. I have to say it went better than expected. But then I didn't push myself too hard with the first project in terms of difficulty. I just wanted to learn the basics. My next step is to start thinking about how glass might be used in some of my current lamp styles, the first and most simple being the Iotta box lamp. But down the road I'm hoping to find new and imaginative ways to integrate wood, paper, glass and any number of materials to create something unique. I'm definitely getting inspired.</div><div><br /></div><div>My biggest challenges were: 1) Choosing the glass. There's a lot to choose from and I'm used to just flipping through paper swatches to find what I want. 2) Cutting the pieces to fit. I did pretty good but this is where practice and experience are really going to help. I was surprised at how little pressure is needed to score the glass. 3) Soldering is definitely a challenge. Getting a smooth rounded bead is not simple. But the good news is that you don't have to get it right the first time. You can re-melt the solder and strive for something better. Overall I'm pretty proud of my first project. I'll keep you abreast of my next project, in fact I'll be working on a pattern today. </div><div><br /></div><div>Talk to you soon. Next posting will be about some cool products that use wood in some unconventional ways. m</div></div>The Lamp Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451344973723402449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185532839887977781.post-10169690184648930942010-02-19T16:16:00.003-06:002010-02-19T16:29:20.995-06:00February 19, 2010 - Well, it's unique<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S38QRshaPOI/AAAAAAAAAjU/0DUyTjoXLQw/s1600-h/LessLamp1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S38QRshaPOI/AAAAAAAAAjU/0DUyTjoXLQw/s400/LessLamp1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440084771081960674" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S38QRshaPOI/AAAAAAAAAjU/0DUyTjoXLQw/s1600-h/LessLamp1.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S38QRHKz8bI/AAAAAAAAAjM/5N79Pm2S7W8/s1600-h/LessLamp2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S38QRHKz8bI/AAAAAAAAAjM/5N79Pm2S7W8/s400/LessLamp2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440084761055064498" /></a><br /><br />I like to bring you the latest in lamp design. Here's one that seems to be getting some attention. It's called the Less Lamp. It's designed by Jordi Canudas and when you bring it home it's a sealed egg of a lampshade. Only a little light escapes through a hole in the top. Your job is to use the specially designed pick hammer and chip away until you're happy with the result. You can poke a pattern into the shell or chop off a chunk. A truly interactive lamp design. Only $875. You better get it right the first time. m<div><br /><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 294px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S38QQ9EuYeI/AAAAAAAAAjE/lJOoWEbK_fk/s400/LessLamp3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440084758345179618" /></div></div></div>The Lamp Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451344973723402449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185532839887977781.post-19629864033995810902010-02-14T17:41:00.002-06:002010-02-14T18:32:29.660-06:00February 14, 2010 - Happy Valentine's Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S3iWCg0lWvI/AAAAAAAAAi8/1e2HBGKM2Y0/s1600-h/MarksHeart.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 398px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S3iWCg0lWvI/AAAAAAAAAi8/1e2HBGKM2Y0/s400/MarksHeart.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438261519964265202" /></a>The Lamp Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451344973723402449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185532839887977781.post-27380144303856559252010-02-01T21:01:00.002-06:002010-02-01T21:07:49.690-06:00February 2, 2010 - I love Retro Futurism<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S2eWV53imlI/AAAAAAAAAi0/Udnb8EaJbaI/s1600-h/z19.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 263px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S2eWV53imlI/AAAAAAAAAi0/Udnb8EaJbaI/s400/z19.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433476778500987474" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S2eWV53imlI/AAAAAAAAAi0/Udnb8EaJbaI/s1600-h/z19.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S2eWVc-M3bI/AAAAAAAAAis/P_vAdPAMxtA/s1600-h/709211181_5476b4e117.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 226px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S2eWVc-M3bI/AAAAAAAAAis/P_vAdPAMxtA/s400/709211181_5476b4e117.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433476770744294834" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S2eWVc-M3bI/AAAAAAAAAis/P_vAdPAMxtA/s1600-h/709211181_5476b4e117.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S2eWVC7BHlI/AAAAAAAAAik/6GvWj-OGYTQ/s1600-h/z18.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S2eWVC7BHlI/AAAAAAAAAik/6GvWj-OGYTQ/s400/z18.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433476763751620178" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S2eWVC7BHlI/AAAAAAAAAik/6GvWj-OGYTQ/s1600-h/z18.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S2eWU_7mJGI/AAAAAAAAAic/hqGUOfYygYg/s1600-h/z15.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 229px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S2eWU_7mJGI/AAAAAAAAAic/hqGUOfYygYg/s400/z15.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433476762948740194" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S2eWU_7mJGI/AAAAAAAAAic/hqGUOfYygYg/s1600-h/z15.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S2eWUuHGLtI/AAAAAAAAAiU/aebcGlZXA6I/s1600-h/z8.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 278px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S2eWUuHGLtI/AAAAAAAAAiU/aebcGlZXA6I/s400/z8.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433476758165139154" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>All images are reblogged from <a href="http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2007/11/retro-future-to-stars.html">Dark Roasted Blend</a>.</div>The Lamp Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451344973723402449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185532839887977781.post-4249349398124867562010-01-17T11:00:00.003-06:002010-01-17T11:08:13.997-06:00January 17, 2010 - Inspirations 1<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S1NDe1KvasI/AAAAAAAAAiM/sYqY_33iyLs/s1600-h/Wouters5.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S1NDe1KvasI/AAAAAAAAAiM/sYqY_33iyLs/s400/Wouters5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427756172858845890" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S1NDe1KvasI/AAAAAAAAAiM/sYqY_33iyLs/s1600-h/Wouters5.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S1NDekkPXKI/AAAAAAAAAiE/AysZxrhxNSI/s1600-h/Wouters4.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 297px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S1NDekkPXKI/AAAAAAAAAiE/AysZxrhxNSI/s400/Wouters4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427756168402394274" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S1NDekkPXKI/AAAAAAAAAiE/AysZxrhxNSI/s1600-h/Wouters4.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S1NDeBPue7I/AAAAAAAAAh8/YRJoN_REpEM/s1600-h/Wouters3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 277px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S1NDeBPue7I/AAAAAAAAAh8/YRJoN_REpEM/s400/Wouters3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427756158921112498" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S1NDeBPue7I/AAAAAAAAAh8/YRJoN_REpEM/s1600-h/Wouters3.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S1NDd4jREEI/AAAAAAAAAh0/rDVZDXdGYkA/s1600-h/Wouters2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 391px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S1NDd4jREEI/AAAAAAAAAh0/rDVZDXdGYkA/s400/Wouters2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427756156587151426" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S1NDd4jREEI/AAAAAAAAAh0/rDVZDXdGYkA/s1600-h/Wouters2.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S1NDdumu0wI/AAAAAAAAAhs/lhqyC1Aqiac/s1600-h/Wouters1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 234px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S1NDdumu0wI/AAAAAAAAAhs/lhqyC1Aqiac/s400/Wouters1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427756153917330178" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S1NDdumu0wI/AAAAAAAAAhs/lhqyC1Aqiac/s1600-h/Wouters1.jpg"></a><br />Beautiful collages by <a href="http://www.forththread.com/wordpress/mark-wouters/">Mark Wouters</a>, an artist from the Netherlands. m<div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>The Lamp Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451344973723402449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185532839887977781.post-16280073446001933962010-01-16T09:56:00.003-06:002010-01-16T12:33:26.399-06:00Januray 16, 2010 - Transitions<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><i>sometimes we stare too long</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><i>at the door that is closing,</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><i>that we don't see the one</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><i>that is opening.</i></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>What little of 2010 has passed has given me the feeling that this is a transition year for me. Actually the feeling has been building for awhile now. It's time to stop looking at the closing door and look for the one that's opening. So bear with me as over the next string of posts I explore, with the hope that it leads me to…well, something new. m</div><div><br /></div>The Lamp Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451344973723402449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185532839887977781.post-2933495016119479652010-01-10T13:35:00.002-06:002010-01-10T14:13:50.574-06:00Januray 10, 2010 - For a friend<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S0o07E_IQKI/AAAAAAAAAhk/BO7QOsb4qck/s1600-h/flower-bulbs-daffodils.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 353px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S0o07E_IQKI/AAAAAAAAAhk/BO7QOsb4qck/s400/flower-bulbs-daffodils.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425206890676633762" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/S0o07E_IQKI/AAAAAAAAAhk/BO7QOsb4qck/s1600-h/flower-bulbs-daffodils.jpg"></a><br />A very good friend of mine called early this morning to tell me her mother had died. It was quite sudden as her mom seemed to be in quite good health. What went through my mind are all the stories she's told me about her mom—how she often had to go because she needed to get her desk organized but it just never seemed to happen, how on a visit she was intensely determined to show her daughter that a little elbow grease could get that pesky commode absolutely clean and almost killed herself to make it so, how on a visit she and her grandson got along so very well, without any of that family angst that my friend felt on occasion. I wish my friend and her family much sympathy and also the hope that over the next week they will find and revel in all those wonderful memories of their mom and celebrate her life.<div><br /></div><div>In honor of my friend here is a list from the Dalai Lama called <i>Instructions for Life</i>. Please take it to heart and take a minute to remember those you love. I'm sure many of you have seen this before but it never hurts to remind yourself.</div><div><br /></div><div>1) Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.</div><div>2) When you lose, don't lose the lesson.</div><div>3) Follow the three Rs: Respect for self, Respect for others, and taking Responsibility for all your actions.</div><div>4) Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.</div><div>5) Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.</div><div>6) Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.</div><div>7) When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.</div><div>8) Spend time alone everyday.</div><div>9) Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.</div><div>10) Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.</div><div>11) Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time.</div><div>12) A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.</div><div>13) In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.</div><div>14) Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.</div><div>15) Be gentle with the earth.</div><div>16) Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.</div><div>17) Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other. </div><div>18) Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.</div><div>19) Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.</div><div><br /></div><div>m</div><div><br /></div></div>The Lamp Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451344973723402449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185532839887977781.post-63664302424217896962009-12-31T21:50:00.006-06:002010-01-01T09:27:50.022-06:00January 1, 2010 - A blue moon at midnight<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/Sz1xxBmr1AI/AAAAAAAAAhc/oL3y80KoTsM/s1600-h/Midnight.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/Sz1xxBmr1AI/AAAAAAAAAhc/oL3y80KoTsM/s400/Midnight.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421614613482165250" /></a><div><br /></div><div>How do you break a year down? There are 365 days. Do you remember each one? A very rare few probably do (I saw one on Oprah). But on the whole you only remember some days. Special days. Tragic days. Days of big decisions or big changes. Big news days. Celebrations.</div><div><br /></div><div>In some ways I'm sad about what I'm seeing. In a world of constant connections I wonder if people really do connect, really know each other, really care to. When I was young I thought people who don't like change were old fogies—those people who couldn't see the bright new future that was coming. Why can't they just get out of the way? And yet only age can give you perspective. You compare the way the world was and the way it is now. The common phrase "it was so simple then" comes to mind. It wasn't ever simple but things do change. They do get more complex. It seems to be our nature, to add more and more to our lives and be proud that we can handle it all, "multi-task." Kids seem to grow up faster, deal with more drama. Technology evolves and changes our lives, for good and bad. Nature seems to take a back seat, be put aside, and yet everyone rallies around the green flag and pretends to have altruistic motives. But a lot of kids aren't going outside and experiencing the natural world. They're sitting in front of a monitor or looking at the screen on a "smart phone." I can guarantee they, the kids, don't see it this way. What will they see when they're fifty? Will it all seem as innocent, as harmless?</div><div><br /></div><div>Last night I did something different for New Year's Eve. Late in the evening, before midnight, I went for a cold winter's eve walk. It felt right. True. It was seven degrees, no wind, calm. The full moon called me out. I saw it through the window. Bright in a clear dark indigo sky. A blue moon—this was the second full moon in the month. A rare spectacle for a special night. How appropriate. The warm glow of Christmas lights brighten my way. The snow and ice crunch under my steps. Everyone's up. Celebrating in their own ways. </div><div><div><br /></div><div>So what's ahead? Will it be a good year, a better year? Will hardships lighten? I know we'll see things we never expected. There'll be lots of the same but it will all be new. Fresh—at least we can make it fresh. We're all moving forward, together. We hope for the best and once in a while the best will come to us. Grab it when you can. </div><div><br /></div><div>I truly wish you all the best in the new year. Take a chance this year. Move forward. Get rid of the clutter. Pay attention to what's really important in your life. Stop sleepwalking. Wake up. Do something you've always wanted to do. Share it with someone. </div><div><br /></div><div>Love. Peace. Truth. Powerful words that need action to make them real. m</div></div>The Lamp Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451344973723402449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185532839887977781.post-15449804659841304872009-12-13T08:21:00.004-06:002009-12-13T09:08:02.281-06:00December 13, 2009 - "Not a finga!"<img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 270px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/SyUAFj2IGxI/AAAAAAAAAg0/tyAFKeKy06U/s400/LegLamphouse.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414734222504499986" /><div><br /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/SyUAF9_-dfI/AAAAAAAAAg8/3LOZ6lywaOM/s400/leglamphouse1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414734229525132786" /><br /><br />Could there be a more famous lamp associated with Christmas than "The Christmas Story Leg Lamp?" My family discovered this movie in the mid-eighties and it's become a "tradition" of sorts that we watch the movie at least once a year, if not more. Because who can miss the many reruns on TV during the holiday season. It must be up there with "It's a Wonderful Life." And I wouldn't be "The Lamp Guy" if I didn't do a post about the famous <i>Leg lamp</i> during the holiday season. <div><br /></div><div>First of all, you can find everything you ever wanted to know about the Leg Lamp at the official <a href="http://www.achristmasstoryhouse.com/index.php/a-christmas-story-movie-facts/the-leg-lamp/">"A Christmas Story House" web site</a>. Yes, someone has bought the house, which is actually in Cleveland, and turned it into a tourist destination along with a museum and gift shot across the street. You've got to go if you happen to be in Cleveland during the holidays. Perhaps you've wondered, was this a real lamp or just something the author made up. Answer: It was made up. Jean Shepard, the author, was inspired by an old Nehi Soda advertisement (shown below). It seems Reuben Freed, the production designer on the film, created the lamp with very little to go on but he seems to have pleased Mr. Shepard with only a few sketches. Three lamps were created for the movie but alas none of them survived the production. If you look closely during the scenes where the lamp is broken you'll notice that the lamp is actually broken in two different ways, depending on which scene you're watching. In one the lamp is broken into chunks, in another it's split lengthwise.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 231px; height: 349px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/SyUAGIX8nkI/AAAAAAAAAhM/HL9nNrweeg4/s400/Legnehisign.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414734232310029890" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/SyUAFR2zwqI/AAAAAAAAAgs/_BlGcjUL16s/s400/leglamp9.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414734217675522722" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Fear not, you too can own any one of five different sizes of Leg Lamps, the full size 50" inch, a slightly smaller 45" (on sale now), a 26" and 20" desktop lamp, and an 8" night light. But that's not all, you can find replicas of almost all the props at <i><a href="http://www.redriderleglamps.com/store.cfm;jsessionid=42309378c9bc311b3877TR?CFID=1489504&amp;CFTOKEN=54038359">A Christmas Story Gift Shop</a></i>. There's the bunny outfit, Randy's stocking cap, Flick's aviator cap, and the crowning touch, a limited edition "<i>Red Rider Range Model Air Rifle with a compass in the stock and that thing which tells time</i>." And if you really want to splurge, you can buy the immense wooden crate for the lamp, sold separately. I'm actually tempted by the sale for the 45 inch lamp. What a lovely prop to bring out every Christmas and put in my studio (family and friends take note of this amazing gift idea but I can do without the crate. And you'd better check with me in case I decided to get on already).</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/SyUAGEEO8tI/AAAAAAAAAhE/a2HycxSM3fA/s400/leglamps.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414734231153603282" /></div><div><br /></div><div>And in a Google search I also came across this lovely "Leg Lamp" Costume, an idea for those truly obsessed. Here's hoping your holiday season is full of joy and that you always get a great parking spot at the mall, if you really have to go there. m</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/SyUBwIG2eZI/AAAAAAAAAhU/Ik-J_6rR9Vk/s400/leglampcostume.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414736053304457618" /></div></div>The Lamp Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451344973723402449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185532839887977781.post-89986121805713780012009-12-04T20:21:00.005-06:002009-12-04T21:17:02.955-06:00December 4, 2009 - For the Holidays<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/SxnEK_qNTiI/AAAAAAAAAgk/Uh6fk6TIlXw/s1600-h/MadisonChristmas.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 184px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/SxnEK_qNTiI/AAAAAAAAAgk/Uh6fk6TIlXw/s400/MadisonChristmas.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411572120428564002" /></a><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/SxnEK_qNTiI/AAAAAAAAAgk/Uh6fk6TIlXw/s1600-h/MadisonChristmas.jpg"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I have to say I'm enjoying this holiday season so far. I never know when it's going to hit me but I think because work has been manageable and fairly stress free I've been able to fall into the pleasantries of the season pretty quickly. This year the long and relaxing Thanksgiving weekend gave me a great excuse to get the Christmas tree up and at least partially decorated, just the lights so far, but that's the best part for me. It's been a week and we had our first snowfall in Madison last night. Just enough to cover the ground and make things look, well, like Christmas, but also enough to cause some stress during the evening rush hour. Luckily I was cozy at home and didn't have to deal with it. So, still being in the holiday mood I decided to search out some new Christmas music today on iTunes. There's always a few new CDs that are worth downloading. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">This year I have two to recommend. The first is "Christmas Cheers" by </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Straight No Chaser</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">, an a cappella men's singing group that started at Purdue University in my home state of Indiana. This is the first I've heard of them but they actually have two Christmas albums out with some non-seasonal music mixed in. I have a soft spot in my heart for really good a cappella groups and this group is one of the best I've heard. They offer beautiful arrangements of traditional songs with the addition of some novelty and humor in unique renditions of "The Twelve Days of Christmas," a concoction of well known holiday tunes merged with the traditional lyrics, and "We Three Kings" with a Mission Impossible theme. Some are pretty clever, and one or two are a little over-the-top for me. My favorites? I love the Charlie Brown classic "Christmastime is Here," "Carol of the Bells," and a new song called "Indiana Christmas." I had many good years growing up in Northern Indiana and it's great to have a song to remind me, it's still home.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 361px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/SxnEKcPgHQI/AAAAAAAAAgc/ooI7wrdKBZI/s400/StraightNoChaser.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411572110921309442" /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">The other CD is Sting's "If on a Winter's Night," a haunting collection of traditional carols and lullabies spanning centuries. This is not your typical holiday CD so it's not for everyone, especially those who expect the pop sounds of </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">The Police</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> or even Sting's later works. Sting defies labeling but his artistry and talent is inspiring. The CD is growing on me but I have to say my favorite song so far is "Soul Cake," a song I first heard from </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Peter, Paul and Mary</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I should also mention that </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Straight No Chaser</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> will be featured in a television special on PBS stations this month so check your local listings. In the meantime check out the new music of the season and add to your collection. I love Christmas music if only for it's innately positive spirit. Have a wonderful week and I'll try to be better about posting, but you know how it goes. m</span></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/SxnEJ3m3AnI/AAAAAAAAAgU/snLRWLhJ-fQ/s1600-h/Sting.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 361px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/SxnEJ3m3AnI/AAAAAAAAAgU/snLRWLhJ-fQ/s400/Sting.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411572101087167090" /></a><br /></div>The Lamp Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451344973723402449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185532839887977781.post-50610543604978290662009-11-25T13:00:00.005-06:002009-11-25T13:08:08.160-06:00November 25, 2009 - Thanks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/Sw1_AYBh3WI/AAAAAAAAAgM/JAw-jOsin1U/s1600/iStock_000010803423XSmall.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/Sw1_AYBh3WI/AAAAAAAAAgM/JAw-jOsin1U/s400/iStock_000010803423XSmall.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408118371967425890" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Here's hoping you and yours </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">have a wonderful, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">thoughtful, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">peaceful, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">ever-so-filling, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">warm, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">happy, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">generous, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">giving, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">lovely</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Thanksgiving day. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I certainly have much to be </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">thankful for and feel very blessed to have such good</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">family and friends.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;">Mark (The Lamp Guy)</span></div>The Lamp Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451344973723402449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185532839887977781.post-72952015760392839992009-10-26T15:33:00.003-05:002009-10-26T16:18:03.828-05:00October 26, 2009 - More food<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/SuYQioj2pyI/AAAAAAAAAgE/rFBxSZq8I8Y/s1600-h/20091015-tows-tal-ronnen-scaloppini-125x163.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 125px; height: 163px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/SuYQioj2pyI/AAAAAAAAAgE/rFBxSZq8I8Y/s400/20091015-tows-tal-ronnen-scaloppini-125x163.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397019390639515426" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/SuYQioj2pyI/AAAAAAAAAgE/rFBxSZq8I8Y/s1600-h/20091015-tows-tal-ronnen-scaloppini-125x163.jpg"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i>Photo by Linda Long</i></span></div><div><br />I made a really delicious meal last night and had to share the information. Oprah strikes again with "The Conscious Cook" by vegetarian Chef Tal Ronnen. I decided to try his <a href="http://www.oprah.com/menu/food/menus/20091015-tows-tal-ronnen-vegan">Gardein "Chicken" Scaloppini</a> last night and it is one of the best meals I've had in a long time. Unfortunately, I was unable to do it "vegetarian" as I couldn't find the Gardein brand of chicken breasts at my local Whole Foods. I think everyone who watched the show wanted to try to the same recipe. The bottom line is that this is a good recipe, vegetarian or not.<div><br /></div><div>Here's a few tips and comments. The <a href="http://www.gardein.com/">Gardein</a> brand is considered to be an excellent replacement for chicken but it may be hard to find. I was also confused because their web site has Tuscan Chicken Breasts but I didn't see plain ones except perhaps in the frozen line. Also, I couldn't find precooked Udon Noodles. So I bought a package of uncooked round udon noodles, probably a lot cheaper. You boil it like any pasta and it comes in single serving bunches. I found that one bunch is plenty for two servings. I created the noodle cakes by packing the cooled noodles into 3" plastic lined ceramic <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001P5HPRU/ref=asc_df_B001P5HPRU945754?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&amp;tag=nextag-kitchen-delta-20&amp;linkCode=asn&amp;creative=380341&amp;creativeASIN=B001P5HPRU">ramekins</a> and compressing them with a small bowl on top. I put them in the fridge on hour before I started the rest of the meal and they came out great. They stick together nicely and the plastic wrap makes it easy to remove them from the ramekins. When you fry them don't put the heat too high as mine started to burn fairly quickly. Keep a watch on them. </div><div><br /></div><div>I did use real chicken breasts but I found that one breast per serving is too much. You could get 4 servings out of two breasts pretty easily. It wouldn't hurt to pound down the breasts so they're thinner as it would cook quicker. I kept mine thick but they were delicious. They just took longer to cook.</div><div><br /></div><div>The pea shoots are a little tough when they're done and therefore hard to cut with a fork when eating. The next time I do it I'll cut them in half at the very least. That makes them a little more fork-friendly and probably easier to cook. From this point I followed the recipe closely. The sauce is amazing, it's what makes the dish so good. And I even forgot to add the chives but it was still excellent. I did use the Earth Balance butter and it worked great. It's a great tasting butter substitute but not low in fat. It's not too time consuming for something this good. Give it a try. I'm now tempted to buy his book and next time I will definitely try the Gardein breasts. m</div></div>The Lamp Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451344973723402449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185532839887977781.post-1808190514750268972009-10-11T20:26:00.006-05:002009-10-11T21:29:11.143-05:00October 12, 2009 - Soups on<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/StKHBvdQrWI/AAAAAAAAAf0/SpB5IoQp_zs/s1600-h/ChickenSoup2_0909.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/StKHBvdQrWI/AAAAAAAAAf0/SpB5IoQp_zs/s400/ChickenSoup2_0909.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391520167904718178" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/StKHBvdQrWI/AAAAAAAAAf0/SpB5IoQp_zs/s1600-h/ChickenSoup2_0909.jpg"></a><i>My homemade chicken noodle soup—2009 edition.</i><br /><div><br /></div><div>Cooking and cooler weather seem to go hand and hand in my world. And my first goal is to start filling the freezer with some good home made soups to get me through the next few months. And with cold and flu season coming—no doubt you've heard about that this year—chicken soup is first on my list. I bought a chicken at the farmers market and started reviewing recipes. I couldn't find the perfect combination in any of the books so I improvised. I wanted something pretty traditional with lots of vegetables. I ended up with chicken, green beans, corn, carrots, celery, onions, peas and lots of noodles. Not to mention a concoction of spices that I had on hand. Most notably some dried basil and a pinch of cayenne pepper. I probably over did the noodles. I think it would have been wise to have broken them up a bit more because they're big and sloppy and hard to fit on a spoon. Oh well, now I know.</div><div><br /></div><div>Week two I made a great beef stew. I actually bought a beef roast, but I got out my mom's old Fanny Farmer cook book and it said that if the roast is less than 4 pounds it's better to use it for stew meat, otherwise the roast would probably be dry. See, I'm learning and in fact I have done small roasts in the past that just never really came out great. I'm just one guy so I always bought small roasts. Along with the tender beef chunks the stew owns potatoes, peas, carrots, green beans and onions in a great broth. Ahhhh, winter is looking good.</div><div><br /></div><div>And today, a sweet potato and black bean soup. Actually it should be called a vegetable soup with black beans. Of course all locally grown veges from the Hilldale farmer's market. Next time I'm adding another can of beans. The cayenne pepper gives it a good kick. So that's a great start on the filling the freezer. I think a good chili is next. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was a nice weekend. I've been cleaning up the studio for the Open Arts Studio Tour next weekend. Don't forget. Artist's all over Madison and Dane County are opening up their studios to the public the weekend of October 17 and 18 from 11:00am to 5pm. You can view samples of all the artists participating at the Community Galleries of the Overture Performing Arts Center downtown. Grab a map and plan your own custom tour of your favorite artists. As for me, I'll be working on some lamps during the weekend with about 30 or so on display. Hopefully the rain, sleet and snow will hold off for a little while and give us a great weekend for the tour. Have a great week and feel free to send your favorite soup or cold weather recipes. I'm always looking for more. m</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/StKR1PIfZeI/AAAAAAAAAf8/2V6u3Pwy2yc/s400/wrkshp1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391532047697143266" /></div></div>The Lamp Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451344973723402449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185532839887977781.post-28646112374595504762009-10-06T12:37:00.004-05:002009-10-06T13:05:42.215-05:00October 6, 2009 - Washington Island<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/SsuFoGUDpRI/AAAAAAAAAfs/AR41LLp2mTg/s1600-h/WashIsld5_0909sm.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/SsuFoGUDpRI/AAAAAAAAAfs/AR41LLp2mTg/s400/WashIsld5_0909sm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389548303014929682" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/SsuFoGUDpRI/AAAAAAAAAfs/AR41LLp2mTg/s1600-h/WashIsld5_0909sm.jpg"></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Schoolhouse Beach</span></i><br /><br />Washington Island has become one of my favorite spots. From the wonderful ferry ride to the rustic cabin, Schoolhouse beach to Fisk's fish fry, it is a joy to visit, even briefly. This year I went up for a weekend with my good friend Carol. I met Carol through another friend years ago but I realized that we have never spent a lot of time alone together as we are usually in the company of our mutual friends. It was fun to get to know each other better. The long drive gave a great opportunity to just talk, a rare event these busy days.<div><br /></div><div>We really got lucky with the weather. Although indications were that we would have some off and on rain, we really didn't experience any beyond seeing evidence that it had passed earlier. Some wet pavement and sand. We also saw many dark clouds threatening the peninsula across the bay. I think they got it more than we did. And it was warm with the sun making itself known throughout the weekend. This made the ferry ride over and back that much more enjoyable. There's nothing like the anticipation of slowly moving toward the island and seeing the great vistas of water and islands along the way.</div><div><br /></div><div>We're so lucky to have found an affordable and yet rather luxurious cabin to rent. It's solitude and views of the water and water foul make it very special. And it has a better than average kitchen which makes meal prep a joy. Not to mention the fireplace, both in the house and down on the rocky beach. We biked at least 1/2 the island stopping for the dunes, a great coffee house, and soft serve and a cheezburger. In the evening there was a great meal with games and lots of talking in front of a roaring fire. It all ended too fast but I felt very relaxed and satisfied to have gotten away even for such a short time. The quality of the environment can make even a short visit rejuvenating. And I needed it. It's been a long year and I'm grateful that I have good friends and such a great place to escape to. m</div><div><br /></div><div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/SsuFngTf2EI/AAAAAAAAAfk/6hPqRlk9vwg/s400/WashIsld3_0909sm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389548292812036162" /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The wonderful fireplace with Carol making dinner in the background.</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/SsuFnStVD5I/AAAAAAAAAfc/n06XYzHDMjE/s400/WashIsld2_0909sm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389548289162284946" /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Carol watching the water foul on the beach in front of the cabin.</span></i></div></div></div>The Lamp Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451344973723402449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3185532839887977781.post-31153252340417938332009-09-22T20:36:00.005-05:002009-09-22T20:45:59.937-05:00September 23, 2009 - Wetting my appetite<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/Srl8r9W0DCI/AAAAAAAAAfE/1V_UK5njmVk/s1600-h/wRedCup.gif"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 1px; height: 1px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/Srl8r9W0DCI/AAAAAAAAAfE/1V_UK5njmVk/s400/wRedCup.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384471924144606242" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/Srl8eyxSX4I/AAAAAAAAAec/JPgQz9NsC8g/s1600-h/wAerial.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/Srl8eyxSX4I/AAAAAAAAAec/JPgQz9NsC8g/s400/wAerial.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384471697964556162" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/Srl8eyxSX4I/AAAAAAAAAec/JPgQz9NsC8g/s1600-h/wAerial.jpg"></a><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/Srl8eyxSX4I/AAAAAAAAAec/JPgQz9NsC8g/s1600-h/wAerial.jpg"></a><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/Srl8fuE_B5I/AAAAAAAAAes/wceXEZR6pAI/s400/wCliffs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384471713884866450" /></div><div><br /><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/Srl9ZZ-VWnI/AAAAAAAAAfM/bgLxDmyZjCg/s400/wWaterTower.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384472704920672882" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/Srl8gBStSFI/AAAAAAAAAe8/0AJ4b17iyC8/s400/wSunset.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384471719042697298" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_125mXpdtZNw/Srl9ZinWdSI/AAAAAAAAAfU/YTBALfp9qv4/s400/wFerry.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384472707240195362" /></div><div><br />Guess where I'm heading? m<div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div>The Lamp Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451344973723402449noreply@blogger.com0